res·or·cin·ol -.ȯl, -.ōln a crystalline phenol C6H6O2 obtained from various resins or artificially and used in medicine as a fungicidal, bactericidal, and keratolytic agent

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n.

a drug that causes the skin to peel. It has been used in skin ointments to treat such conditions as acne, but with prolonged use the drug is absorbed into the body, causing underactivity of the thyroid gland (myxoedema) and convulsions.

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re·sor·ci·nol (rə-sorґsĭ-nol) [USP] a bactericidal, fungicidal, keratolytic, exfoliative, and antipruritic agent, used especially as a topical keratolytic in the treatment of acne and other dermatoses, such as seborrheic dermatitis. Called also resorcin.